Change Your Image
footballmonkey
Reviews
Yes, Prime Minister (2013)
Good (in context)
The 2013 version essentially follows the plot of the stage show version (even using the same set if I'm not mistaken).
When I first heard there was going to be a 2013 series I was worried and excited at the same time.
Worried - these things are never going to be good as the originals because the original characters, actors and time of the original is ingrained in our memory. It's like a song that has many cover versions....you tend to like best the one you first grew to know.
Excited - was keen to see how the modern version would pan out.
Having seen the stage show I was pleased in a way the story was the same as it meant I now had an aide-memoire for my day at the Trafalgar Studios. Obviously a stage version has certain limitations and I'm guessing Gold's budget restraints meant this remake had the same.
The big questions is - is this series a remake or a modern spin? It's neither really. The characters are very similar, there are references to the original and some modern references. Which of course there has to be with the passing of 30 years.
Those wanting it to be the same as the original will be disappointed. Those wanting it to be a modern cutting edge version will be disappointed.
Those who want some light-hearted entertainment with an homage to a great, great TV series and who are prepared to see it in that context will enjoy it.
It's not the classic the original was. It's not the worst ever.
Me personally - I enjoyed it (with the exception of the canned laughter - excessive and mistimed)
Do I prefer the original - yes. Is this as bad as most say - no.
Lighten up and have a bit of fun.
Yes, Prime Minister: The Poisoned Chalice (2013)
The story continues
The series continues to follow the plot of the stage show version in Episode 2.
Whilst never going to be as good as the original those that liked the stage show will like this. David Haig is very good in this episode in particular and there are some funny lines.
The highlight for me is Haig's / Hacker's attack on the BBC. It shows the writers are still very much on the ball 30 years on from the original and very happy to call it how it is....you'd probably find most viewers agreeing with his rant.
Paul Eddingdon/Nigel Hawthorne this is not. But, it's a pleasant 30 minutes viewing.